Research topic: Helmut Schmidt

Helmut Schmidt , 1918-, German political leader, chancellor of West Germany (1974-82). After serving in World War II, he entered politics and joined the Social Democratic party. He was elected to the Bundestag in 1953. Schmidt was Social Democrat leader in the Bundestag (1967-69) and in 1968 became party vice chairman. When the Social Democrat-Free Democrat coalition government was formed in 1969, he became minister of defense under Chancellor Willy Brandt. In 1972 he was made finance minister. Schmidt was elevated to the post of chancellor in May, 1974, in the wake of Brandt's resignation as... Read more